Those who are forced into being without an abode and/or dwelling are all to quickly deemed less than citizens. In many regards are even treated as less than human. How about thinking that we are NOT homeless, nor last-class citizens or non-human? We think, have feelings, have intellect and struggle. How would you feel to be thought of as anything less than human just for circumstances due to those of profit/gain/control?

In New Britain, CCSU unit studies degrees of homelessness

Monday, March 18, 2013 10:20 AM EDT

BY BRIAN M. JOHNSONSTAFF WRITER

NEW BRITAIN — Members of Community Central, a community-based
program affiliated with Central Connecticut State University, and
Briggitte Brown, community organizer for the city of New Britain,
recently sat down with Michael Lexton Hawkins, a formerly homeless New
Britain resident, to discuss the causes of homelessness and to work
toward solutions.

Hannah Hurwitz, a member of Community Central,
said, “We’re basically trying to collect information to put everything
into perspective. We want to learn their stories, find out about the
barriers they face, and find ways to help them overcome those barriers.
We want to see them succeed, get a good job and get back on their feet.”

Hawkins
had been a longtime homeless resident. He has also been living with
AIDS since 1987. A recovering drug addict, Hawkins has been clean for
three years. He is now living in an apartment in New Britain, is on
disability and volunteers at organizations such as Safety Counts.

At the meeting, Hawkins shared what it was like to experience homelessness.

“I know the feeling of hopelessness and the various things that cause
it,” said Hawkins. “There are so many organizations that say they will
help you. However, if you don’t have a foundation, if you don’t have
warmth and security, where’s the hope? My biggest obstacle was myself
and my way of thinking.”

John Carey, an intern from CCSU and an
environmental geography major with a geographical information systems
minor, explained the degrees of homelessness.

“Some have been
homeless before and are no longer,” said Carey. “Others are staying with
friends and have their basic needs provided. Some are living in
shelters or churches, and then there’s the people actually living on the
streets.”

Carey is currently compiling an online database that
maps out places where the homeless of New Britain can go for food,
health care, recreation, housing assistance and behavioral help as well
resources such as the police and fire departments.

“My goal is to
make this database as user-friendly as possible,” Carey said. “I also
want to work with public libraries to get the homeless a library card
they can use to read or use the Internet at the library even if they
can’t check out books.”

There are many reasons people become homeless, according to Hawkins.

“Situations
happen in life, I don’t blame anyone,” said Hawkins. “Some people
drink, some people use drugs, with others it’s psychological. Some
people become homeless through no fault of their own. I had a friend who
was an executive before his wife left him and took his child. The
bottom line is we’re human beings, and it could happen to any of us.”

Brown
discussed the mayor’s plan to create a homeless commission where
homeless people can give advice to policy makers directly. She also
discussed the upcoming Brunch and Conversation event taking place at
Community Central April 6 at 11 a.m.

“That’s beautiful, the first time I’ve seen something like this,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins
has also written a book of poetry, “To Touch a Nerve,” based on his
experience with homelessness, AIDS and prison. The book is slated for
release at the end of the month through the AuthorHouse publishing
company. It is the first of three books he plans to release. He plans to
donate money that he receives from the sales to organizations that
support the homeless.

In 2008, Hawkins served a six-month prison term for using and selling drugs.

“When
I was in prison, they helped me treat my heroin and cocaine addiction,”
Hawkins said. “I wasn’t taking any HIV medication and I wasn’t being
treated for my bipolar disorder. The agencies told me that I was killing
myself and that I needed to receive treatment. Prison was a curse, but
it was also a blessing in disguise. It was a rude awakening to a
spiritual awakening.”

“I believe I’m here for a reason, through
the grace of God,” Hawkins said. “I’m glad to be part of the solution,
not part of the problem today. It’s not going to happen overnight, I’m
not looking for miracles, but if we can help one person or a few it’s
worth it.”